Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Details of Nnamdi Kanu’s Court Case on 26 September 2016

The Federal High court on Monday, September 26, ruled in favour of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu. Justice John Tsoho in his ruling disqualified himself from hearing the criminal case against Kanu.

The judge’s ruling came after Kanu in a petition to the National Judicial Council called for an investigation of Justice Tsoho over two conflicting rulings he made against the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu.

A Federal High Court judge John Tsoho has disqualified himself from further hearing the matter against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu by the Department of State Services – DSS.

In his ruling on Monday, September 26, Tsoho said:

“I deem it unnecessary to allow the learned DPP (director of public prosecution) M. Labaran to make any response.”

Tsoho’s statement came after counsel to the defendants Chuks Muoma informed the judge of a petition against him before the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The petition sent to NJC by Kanu queried the judge’s conflicting ruling on an application by the DSS to conduct a secret trial for him (Kanu).

Also, during the ruling, Kanu who was initially absent was brought into the court dressed in an all-white attire by the prison wardens.

The judge said: “Luckily, the procedure would have been to await the response of the NJC.”

The judge however said any action by the court would preempt the decision of the judicial council.

53 lawyers
to defend one man. -Nnamdi Kanu

He also said the defense team is focused on stampeding the court before the decision of the NJC.

“This court is minded not to prolong the issue, especially since they (the defense team) did not state which court it wants the matter to handle its case.” Tsoho said.

He further announced that he will no longer preside over the matter stating that the essence of justice is based on confidence in the court by all parties involved.

“I have disqualified myself from sitting over this case, thereby the case file shall be transferred to the office of the chief justice of the Federal High Court.“This shall be the position of this court even if the NJC decides otherwise.” Tsoho concluded.

The federal government through the DSS had accused Kanu treasonable felony, mismanagement of an unlawful society and concealing of goods in a container.

This allegations comes after three different courts had on three occasions squashed all cases – including terrorism – against him and two others, David Nwawuisi and Benjamin Madubugwu.

Just after the judge presiding over the criminal matter against him made his ruling, Nnamdi Kanu addressed his relatives and supporters who were able to make it into the courtroom.

Speaking to his supporters, while seated on one of the chairs in the courtroom, Kanu in a defiant tone said: “What we are fighting for is corruption.”

Below are six quotes from the IPOB leader to his supporters after today’s court session:

1. “What we are fighting for is corruption.”

2. “Wherever we see corruption, we fight corruption; it doesn’t matter who is involved.”

3. “Once there is corruption we fight it.”

4. “When will he (the judge) be sacked? I want him to be sacked as a judge.”

5. “All of you that came out, we appreciate.”

6. “But as you can see, the court is empty, we would prefer that this court be full anytime we are coming here.”